Turning over a new leaf and starting to exercise is a huge step to becoming healthy for life, but food can play a big role in how effective your workouts really are.The greatest debate has always been "Should I eat before I workout?"Well that depends on your goal. What research has shown is that eating before a meal can improve your cardio and overall fitness, but it will not help with your weight loss. If you do not eat before exercising, it's the opposite. You will lose weight more effectively but your overall fitness will not be as great. However, weather you eat or not, you should still see some benefit..What is even more important is how you hydrate around your exercise and what you eat after. Be sure to drink at least 1-2 cups of water 30 minutes prior to exercise, 1/2 cup for every 1/2 hour you exercise and another cup after your workout is not (this is the minimum suggestion). There is no need for sugary beverages or energy drinks, just pure water should be fine. You can replenish electrolytes after the workout through a healthy snack. Within 15 minutes post exercise a light snack containing carbs and protein is ideal. It will help with the healing and recovery process. This doesn't mean you need to get a protein shake. Some really simple healthy snacks might include: whole grain crackers and peanut butter, greek yogurt and fruit or 1/2 a tuna fish sandwhich.

Even if you cannot follow these guidelines perfectly, being active is still critical to a better and healthier life. So get our there an have fun!

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Author

Kate ParkRD, CDE, PTS, MAN, BAScKate is a Registered Dietitian and self proclaimed foodie who studied her Master of Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. Currently she practices at a Family Health Team in Southern Ontario. Her greatest passion in life is food, so she spends her spare time teaching cooking classes and nutrition courses all over Ontario.